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Tenn. correctional officer lied about assault in escape attempt

Officer claimed he was assaulted when detainees stole his truck, but in truth he left it unattended

By C1 Staff

DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — A correctional officer with the Mountain View Youth Development Center has been charged with making a false report in connection with an escape attempt last week.

WBIR reports that David Jarnigan, 45, left a Dodge truck unattended that three juvenile detainees attempted to use in their escape attempt.

Jarnigan falsely alleged that the teens assaulted him in order to gain access to the vehicle.

Two of the detainees were caught at the facility, while a third was able to steal the truck and drive through a gate.

He then abandoned the truck close to the facility. He escaped into the woods, but deputies caught him soon after.